Rigid restrictions on visitors are back at Milton Keynes hospital during second wave of Covid

It has re-adopted the rules of the first lockdown, but said exceptions could be made for people visiting a patient who is nearing the end of their life,

Hospital chief executive Joe Harrison said: "There is an increase in the number of patients with Covid-19, both in the community and as inpatients in our hospital...We are now going to have to restrict visiting again."

He said the move was designed to keep staff, patients and the community safe.

Exceptions can be made in the case of patients who require carer support and patients at the end of their life.

"We know that you are very worried about your loved one as we face this national emergency together. We will try to allow visiting for a patient who is nearing the end of their life if possible and the decision for this will be down to the nurse in charge of the ward. The number of people who can visit will be limited and they will have to be prepared to wear personal protective equipment during their visit," said a hospital spokesman.

On the Labour ward, women will be allowed one birth partner only and strictly no other children. Paediatric patients will be permitted one parent or guardian only and no siblings visiting.

'Virtual visiting' will be carried out where possible and wards will try to set up video calls with patients and even supply with a device to do so.

People can also email a letter and photos to patients, and the hospital has launched a new email service for families and friends to do this. You can use this service by emailing [email protected] .

Staff will print out letters received, laminate any photographs and deliver them to the patient.

Mr Harrison has assured people that emergency and urgent care, together with some planned elective procedures and inpatient appointments will continue as normal at the hospital.

He has urged anyone with Covid symptoms to call 111 and only come directly to the emergency department as a last resort or unless there is a medical emergency.

People wanting to make contact with loved ones who are inpatients can call the ward directly or the main hospital switchboard on 01908 660033.